The vinyl is a liquid vinyl plastisol. I am trying to figure out what the chemical is as well! It has to be something that won't boil under about 400 degrees. I read some reference to very hot toluene in as of ubiquitous thread somewhere, so maybe that's what it is. I would love to get a good vacuum chamber and try this in my garage some day.
Hey Scott! Just wanted to ask you if you maybe found out what kind of chemicals they use. I know you mentioned toluene, but I read that it's boiling point is only around 232 °F and I don't think that's hot enough curing the plastisol.
No dice :/ still curious. Lots of stories of sofubi factory visits with little specific information. Maybe for the best, since I respect that the artists livelihood depends on some level of secrecy. Home brew sofubi would be cool as hell regardless, though!
Hey Scott. I know this is an old post, but I thought I'd reach out anyway. I have also had some struggles figuring out what the hot bath solution is. I have been told by Science Patrol that it is called something like "Torque." I cannot find a lick of information on it other than it contains salt to allow it to heat higher. I have a feeling that there must be oil in there as it is a liquid that can reach that temperature without boiling. I have however not tested this theory. I also understand that there is a level of secrecy there, but at the same time this is an art that is fading since it is an older process with less and less people being taught how to do it, so it must be shared. Let me now if you have learned anything else.
Thanks Andy! I really appreciate seeing the sofubi places you visit!
What chemical in the heating tub??
Didn't even know that Jungle makes their own vinyl, cool!!
The vinyl is a liquid vinyl plastisol. I am trying to figure out what the chemical is as well! It has to be something that won't boil under about 400 degrees. I read some reference to very hot toluene in as of ubiquitous thread somewhere, so maybe that's what it is. I would love to get a good vacuum chamber and try this in my garage some day.
A "sofubi" thread. Not "ubiquitous". More like auto-incorrect, amiright?
Hey Scott! Just wanted to ask you if you maybe found out what kind of chemicals they use. I know you mentioned toluene, but I read that it's boiling point is only around 232 °F and I don't think that's hot enough curing the plastisol.
No dice :/ still curious. Lots of stories of sofubi factory visits with little specific information. Maybe for the best, since I respect that the artists livelihood depends on some level of secrecy. Home brew sofubi would be cool as hell regardless, though!
Scott Stewart thanks for your quick answer :)
Hey Scott. I know this is an old post, but I thought I'd reach out anyway. I have also had some struggles figuring out what the hot bath solution is. I have been told by Science Patrol that it is called something like "Torque." I cannot find a lick of information on it other than it contains salt to allow it to heat higher. I have a feeling that there must be oil in there as it is a liquid that can reach that temperature without boiling. I have however not tested this theory. I also understand that there is a level of secrecy there, but at the same time this is an art that is fading since it is an older process with less and less people being taught how to do it, so it must be shared. Let me now if you have learned anything else.
Is the vinyl at the start, cool like paint or is it heated like melted wax?
cool video. You wouldn't happen to know What heated "Chemical" that is in that troth? also if it's just melted vinyl or a special liquid vinyl?
Geoff Maxfield I’m also curious to understand what chemical is used for the cooking.